There are those people who try to elevate their souls like…
““There are those people who try to elevate their souls like someone who continually jumps from a standing position in the hope that forcing oneself to jump all day— and higher every day— they would no longer fall back down, but rise to heaven. Thus occupied, they no longer look to heaven. We cannot even take one step toward heaven. The vertical direction is forbidden to us. But if we look to heaven long-term, God descends and lifts us up. God lifts us up easily. As Aeschylus says, ‘That which is divine is without effort.’ There is an ease in salvation more difficult for us than all efforts. In one of Grimm’s accounts, there is a competition of strength between a giant and a little tailor. The giant throws a stone so high that it takes a very long time before falling back down. The little tailor throws a bird that never comes back down. That which does not have wings always comes back down in the end.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Spiritual ascent cannot be forced by constant effort; true elevation comes from divine grace, not self‑imposed striving.
In simple terms: Effort alone won’t lift you; grace does.
Key Takeaway
Seek humility and openness to divine help.
Themes
spirituality
humility
grace
effort
faith
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- religious practice
- overcoming pride
- seeking meaning
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
Divine ease
grace
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you trust divine assistance?
- How does humility change your pursuits?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on personal effort may lead to burnout and ego.